Turkish president arrives in Northern Cyprus

By Muhammet İkbal Arslan

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) - The Turkish president on Sunday arrived in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to mark its 37th foundation anniversary.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan was welcomed by Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar, Parliament Speaker Teberruken Ulucay, besides other ministers and lawmakers.

Turkish ambassador Ali Murat Basceri, Cyprus Turkish Peace Force Commander Maj. Gen. Sezai Ozturk, Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Zorlu Topaloglu, veterans and other officials were also present.

While President Erdogan will attend official ceremonies, he is also expected to discuss the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean with Tartar. They will also exchange views on the Cyprus issue, as well as steps to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The island has been divided into a Turkish Cypriot government in the north, and Greek Cypriot administration in the south since a 1974 military coup aimed at Cyprus’ annexation by Greece.

Turkey’s military intervention as a guarantor power in 1974 stopped years-long persecution and violence against Turkish Cypriots by ultra-nationalist Greek Cypriots.

The Turkish president will also attend the official opening of the Lefkosa Emergency Hospital, according to a statement by the Presidential Communications Directorate.

He is accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan and Devlet Bahceli, the head of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), among others.